DENR 12 awards performing NGP key players and implementers By: Danilo E. Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- In its attempt to bolster performance of key players and implementers of the National Greening Program in Region 12, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here honored field officials and focal persons for their dedication to the flagship program. DENR 12 Regional Executive Director Datu Tungko Saikol led the awarding of 12 NGP focal persons in the four provinces of SOCCSKSARGEN Region. Awardees included Jesus Boja of PENRO Sarangani, Efren Hibaler of PENRO South Cotabato, Wilfredo Cacayan of Sultan Kudarat, Semona Bernadas of PENRO Cotabato, Alexander Ursua of CENRO Glan, Jeric Labor of CENRO Kiamba, Leonardo Azumbrado of CENRO General Santos City, Franklin Lebrilla of CENRO Banga, Calil Bantuas of CENRO Tacurong City, Edna Melodias of CENRO Kalamansig, Mamerto Cardenas of CENRO Matalam, and Mary Ann Cadungog of CENRO Midsayap. In his message at the awarding ceremony, Director Saikol thanked the honorees for their continuous support and cooperation to the NGP efforts. “Your initiatives and efforts demonstrated in support to the program are very commendable. You have made important legacy and whatever contributions you have are worthy enough for the continuing FEBRUARY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph
success of the program,� Saikol said. Along with the awarding ceremony DENR also conducted the Regional Geographic Information System (GIS) workshop. Forest Resources Development Division (FRDD) chief, Dr. Noel V. Dungca said workshop aims to uplift the capacities of NGP implementers with the help of modern technology, gadgets and new applications applied on cell phones and tablet computers. Earlier, NGP Regional Coordinator Forester Gabriel Baute distributed 52 GPS-capable tablets to be used in geotagging by field implementers. Geotagging is a form of technology which uses space-based satellite navigation system that provides location and time information in allweather conditions. It also serves as efficient and effective monitoring tool to validate and evaluate NGP planting sites. It complements the use of GIS with a new application called OruxMaps which promotes transparency and total public disclosure. (DEDoguilesPIA 12 with KBayam-Benpolok/CG Valdez/MC Locsin-DENR 12).
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